as in crucial
resulting in either definite success or definite failure
a make-or-break decision The next year will be a make-or-break time for the company.
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Recent Examples of make-or-break
Everyone goes through phases of discerning who can and cannot be trusted in life; but for the ultra-famous, this is a skill that can literally make-or-break their careers.
—
Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
The film from writer-director James Gunn — who is also co-chief of DC Studios — is considered a critical make-or-break movie for the studio, which is heavily relying on the July 11 release to help launch a new generation of superhero titles.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025
In a city where up to 60% of households in some neighborhoods do not have access to a car, the Maryland Transit Administration plays a make-or-break role.
—Holly Arnold, Baltimore Sun, 13 Mar. 2025
For many, this opportunity is make-or-break and the only thing driving them is the potential delusion of their vision.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
The film from writer-director James Gunn — who is also co-chief of DC Studios — is considered a critical make-or-break movie for the studio, which is heavily relying on the July 11 release to help launch a new generation of superhero titles.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025
In a city where up to 60% of households in some neighborhoods do not have access to a car, the Maryland Transit Administration plays a make-or-break role.
—Holly Arnold, Baltimore Sun, 13 Mar. 2025
For many, this opportunity is make-or-break and the only thing driving them is the potential delusion of their vision.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
-
Line changes spark Oilers’ third-period charge The Oilers switched their top six during the second intermission heading into a crucial final period of regulation.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
This is because coaching encourages independence, growth and establishes a culture of trust, which are crucial elements for sustainable productivity.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Founded by Frank Fertitta IV and Landon Gyulay, the Easy Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) grant-making nonprofit committed to helping Veterans transition to civilian life by addressing critical needs including mental health care, job training, placement, and family support services.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
5 May 2025
-
Simion, 38, opposes military aid to neighboring Ukraine, is critical of the EU leadership and says he is aligned with the US president’s Make America Great Again movement.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
Adjective
-
Owens cited those messages as evidence of a larger issue, alleging that the incident was a pivotal moment in West’s life that triggered much of his subsequent behavior.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
5 May 2025
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This is also a pivotal episode for Ellie and Dina, who get themselves into a good bit of trouble on their first day looking for Abby.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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